A New Era in Transit
More funding, smarter planning, and people-first policies that move the entire state forward.
CTA, Metra, and Pace were headed toward a 2026 “fiscal cliff” that threatened massive service cuts. Riders were fed up. Communities were stuck.
In Fall 2025, Illinois finally stepped up because transit is essential for jobs, school, small businesses, and everyday life.
Our role: From canvassing and rallying to tabling, calling officials, and showing up in Springfield, Strong Towns Chicago helped put community pressure behind Illinois’ transit reforms.
Wins Today, Goals Tomorrow
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Stability. Coordination. Modernization.
Major new funding so agencies can maintain and improve service.
A new regional transit authority to finally align CTA, Metra, and Pace into one coordinated, rider-focused network.
People Over Parking: ends mandatory parking minimums near transit so cities can approve more homes and businesses without wasting land on empty lots.
Stronger tools for transit-oriented development, putting housing, shops, and everyday needs closer to where people actually travel.
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Illinois’ reform set the stage, but real progress comes from the next round of improvements that will change the way riders feel every day. Here are the three biggest priorities ahead:
Faster, more frequent service: Boost bus frequency on key routes, add reliable late-night and weekend service, and keep buses moving with dedicated, enforced bus-only lanes.
Safer, cleaner, more accessible stations: Improve lighting, maintenance, and accessibility across stations and stops so every rider experiences safe, welcoming, easy-to-navigate transit.
A seamless regional system: Build a unified CTA–Metra–Pace fare structure, expand transit-oriented housing and local connections, and hold agencies accountable with clear, public performance standards.
